Cristian Garin has proven himself a clay-court stalwart over the past two seasons, winning all four of his ATP Tour titles on the surface. The former junior Grand Slam titlist has quickly established himself among the world’s best, and he is currently the No. 2 South American, trailing only Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman, who is World No. 13

ATPTour.com looks at five things you should know about Garin.

1) Garin is at his career-high FedEx ATP Ranking
Garin enjoyed a breakthrough 2019 season, winning his first two ATP Tour titles in Houston and Munich. The Chilean has not let that momentum slip in 2020, triumphing in Cordoba before lifting his biggest trophy yet in Rio de Janeiro.

The 23-year-old is now at a career-high World No. 18. It has been a rapid rise for Garin, who first cracked the world’s Top 100 on 29 October 2018. He made his first ATP Tour final last March in Sao Paulo, losing in straight sets against Guido Pella. It was a disappointing defeat, as Garin saw it as his big chance to earn a crown.

“I’m not sure what to think because I didn’t expect to win an ATP Tour title after Sao Paulo,” Garin said after his Houston victory last year. “Now that I’ve won, I want to just go back home for a few days and work again.”

2) He spent time living in Spain
When Garin was 18, he moved to Spain, changing coaches and residences in the hopes of competing in more tournaments. It was the first time he lived anywhere but in Santiago, Chile.

But in 2018, he moved to Argentina for several months to work with coach Andres Schneiter, before ultimately returning to Santiago. However, his partnership with Schneiter has proven fruitful.

“It was tough because I made many changes, maybe some bad changes. I lost many times and had some problems with ex-coaches. I moved to Spain and maybe it wasn’t a good decision for me,” Garin said last year. “But in the past year, I’m making good things happen and working hard every day, so I’m seeing the results now.”

3) Garin made history as a teen
In his first tournament of 2013, in Vina del Mar, Garin defeated Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4 to become the fifth player 16 or younger (since 2000) to win an ATP Tour match.

“It was big pressure,” Garin said.

Just months later, he won the 2013 Roland Garros Boys’ Singles title. It took him until last February in Buenos Aires to win his next ATP Tour main draw match.

4) Garin is clutch under pressure
Garin may be World No. 18, but he ranks higher in Infosys’ ATP Under Pressure Rating. He is seventh in the category over the past 52 weeks, only trailing Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Nick Kyrgios.

The rating accounts for performance in tie-breaks, deciding sets and break points (both won and converted).

In the past year, Garin has won 55.2 per cent of his tie-breaks, 73.7 per cent of his deciding sets, converted 41.2 per cent of his break points and saved 62.3 per cent of the break points he faced

5) UNO, Clash Royale and Business
Garin and Schneiter keep things lighthearted off the court, playing games with one another when possible. They include the card game UNO, as well as competing in the app Clash Royale.

“We play a lot… it’s too good,” Schneiter told ATPTour.com.

If Garin wasn’t a professional tennis player, the Chilean says he would be a businessman. He also enjoys watching NBA basketball, and his favourite foods are sushi and pizza.

Former World No. 3 Milos Raonic has increasingly become interested in art, and his great uncle was an artist from Montenegro. He has enjoyed visiting art galleries or going to art shows that have coincided with the ATP Tour’s schedule.

But during the coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian has been staying inside. ATPTour.com spoke to the 29-year-old to find out how he’s been keeping busy, his advice and more.

What movie would you recommend and why?
The Talented Mr. Ripley. I wouldn’t have recommended it probably a week ago, but now that I’ve had time to go through things, it’s sort of been revisited and talked about and I just appreciate how great it is.

Have you been able to watch a bunch of movies?
I’ve tried not to, because I don’t know how long we’re going to be in this situation, so I’ve tried not to start binging right away and then be out of things that I can possibly stream.

Is there a book you’d recommend?
Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom. It was recommended to me a long time ago and I remember it. Now I read a lot, but back then I didn’t read so much, and it was probably one of the first books since early in my childhood that I had and I was very enticed to finish it in a single sitting because it was so good. It was so touching and it’s one that I recommend to a lot of people.

What made you start reading more now than you used to?
It’s just an easy way to shut down. Always if you’re watching something on an iPad, a computer, or a phone, you can get boggled and maybe distracted by other things. I find this way that I put all my electronics far away and when I read, it keeps me more present than a TV show because a TV show you can keep listening to it and maybe check something on your phone in the meantime or that kind of thing. With a book, you need to completely put everything down in the meantime. It just requires more attention.

Especially with your career and how busy you are, it must be good to get away from everything for that bit of time?
I think it’s more of a complete disconnect. I travel with a bunch of books everywhere I go and I love going to different bookstores in different cities. Even though the books might not be changing too much, I think it’s sad to see a lot of mom-and-pop bookstores go out of business.

What music would you recommend to anybody?
It’s a lot of older music that I listen to: a lot of Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, a lot of stuff that’s always playing a little bit more quietly. Nothing to get me too riled up, especially since I’m home all the time [now].

A lot of the guys have been playing video games. Have you gotten into those at all?
I’ve gotten into it for a couple of days. I hadn’t played a single video game for maybe three or four years. So I think this got me into thinking, ‘Okay, how can I kill some time and keep me enticed?’ I got into it for a bit, but I don’t think it’s something that’s going to last in my own personal daily routine.

What video game?
NBA2K has been played a lot. [I like playing with] Toronto, but when we play with friends, everybody has to go with random teams. Sometimes you can get a better team, a disadvantaged team. It just makes everybody have to play with every other team.

Have you been playing it with other players or other friends?
Friends from normal life. It’s just been people that I don’t get a chance to be in the same time zone with. Normally when I have time during the day, they’re working. But this way, everybody’s got a bit more time now and we just find ways to try to make the most of the days.

Of course it’s a very tough time in the world right now, but how nice has it been to get to catch up with those people?
It’s been nice getting on the same page with people, especially because most of my close friends are from outside of the tennis world. They work throughout the day and they’re normally in the North American time zones. Having chances throughout the day when the time zones aren’t an issue, I can actually find time to get in touch rather than getting in touch and having a full conversation over FaceTime once a week or once every two weeks depending how busy everybody is, it can happen daily. 

What’s your message to the fans?
The most important thing is to respect what their government asks of them and also the others around you by staying home and trying to make the most of things, but within your confined space with the people around you, just for everybody’s health. That’s whether it’s the people close to you or people on the other end of the country. This thing spreads fast. It’s not just the people in your community that you affect. It’s them talking to another person, talking to another person, talking to another person.The effects and the ripples can be felt far and wide.

I think people have to respect that and realise the seriousness of what’s going on… for most, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing and I think people will need to be aware of how it’s changing our lives a lot. You have to respect that process.

Looking to satisfy your tennis cravings? ESPN2 is providing a 22-hour marathon on Saturday that features six epic Grand Slam matches between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The matches can also be viewed on the ESPN app.

Nadal currently leads their ATP Head2Head rivalry 24-16 and has won 10 of their 14 Grand Slam battles. Federer picked up three of his Grand Slam victories at Wimbledon.

Federer-Nadal Marathon Schedule (all times EST on 28 March)

Wimbledon provided additional Grand Slam viewing on Thursday by posting the entire 11-hour, five-minute encounter between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut to their YouTube channel.

While the pandemic caused by COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc around the world, some of the biggest stars on the ATP Tour have thrown themselves into providing aid during this difficult situation.

Juan Sebastian Cabal, No. 2 in the FedEx ATP Doubles Rankings, launched an initiative with his brother to help the most vulnerable people in his hometown of Cali, Colombia. Cabal is promoting a campaign on social media to raise funds for buying food in local markets and delivering it to families in need, especially those who normally work on the street. The goal is to make it possible for everyone to stay home and adopt the necessary protective measures against COVID-19.

“While our doctors, nurses, security, supermarket and pharmacy staff are fighting for us, we cannot stand by and watch,” Cabal wrote in a post on his Instagram account. In our city, 70 per cent of the population relies on the informal economy and we know that part of the success in the fight against COVID-19 is social isolation. In order to guarantee that our people who work in this way can comply, we must guarantee food for them and their families during the days of quarantine.

“We invite you to support us and contribute to this cause. With the help of community leaders, we are identifying the city’s vulnerable families.”

Cabal is promoting and coordinating the initiative from his home. Donations can be made through two bank accounts that the Colombian has set up. His longtime doubles partner and fellow Colombian, Robert Farah, also shared the campaign on his own social media accounts.

There are 491 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colombia as of 27 March, while the global figure has reached 577,624.

Rafael Nadal and Pau Gasol have launched the #NuestraMejorVictoria (Our Best Victory) campaign, which they hope to use to encourage donations from Spanish sport in the fight against COVID-19. The initiative, which forms part of the #CruzRojaResponde (Red Cross Responds) project, aims to raise €11 million and help citizens in need during this health emergency.

The two sportsmen made an appeal on Thursday via social media, sending out a clear message of unity and reciprocal support to all members of the Spanish public. Because Spanish citizens have supported them in their victories and defeats, they wanted to return that affection at this challenging time.

“You have always been on our side during happy times and difficult times. You have always been understanding… We athletes are what we are largely thanks to your support. Now is the time that we cannot let you down,” Nadal said. “It occurred to me to ring my friend Pau [Gasol] and he was also thinking about doing something. We reached the conclusion that now is the time to launch this initiative, which we hope that the whole of Spanish sport will get behind.”

Nadal is at home in Mallorca and complying with the confinement regulations set out by the Spanish government. Since 14 March, Spain has been under a state of national emergency, which includes measures limiting the movement of citizens.

“We are going through a time that would have been unexplainable and unimaginable a few months ago,” Nadal said. “We’re suffering the impact of this pandemic which has changed all of our lives, particularly those people who are suffering firsthand and their relatives.

“These are sad times, being at home all day. The news is not very encouraging. There is nothing we can do other than be positive, strong and united in the fight to beat the virus. I have been at home for a few days and thinking about how I can help in this situation, which is completely new to everyone.”

With more than 64,000 cases confirmed and almost 5,000 deaths, Spain is one of the countries most seriously affected by this pandemic. Spanish athletes were quick to respond and several have already shown their support for the project by promising to give donations.

Notable ATP players such as Feliciano López and David Ferrer have been joined by other Spanish athletes, including WTA stars Garbine Muguruza and Carla Suarez Navarro, race car drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz, football goalkeeper Iker Casillas, track and field athletes Bruno Hortelano and Orlando Ortega, and yachtswoman Theresa Zabell, among others.

Juan Sebastian Cabal has had plenty of time to consider his future plans on the doubles court during the COVID-19 pandemic and it seems the Colombian may be preparing for a future switch in partners.

Cabal issued a warning to current partner Robert Farah on Instagram, providing his followers with a video of an intense home practice session with his son, Jacobo.

Send to someone who needs a smile today ??

?: @juanscabal | #tennisathome pic.twitter.com/lmySDhrvhW

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 26, 2020

At three years of age, Jacobo may need to wait some time before he can unleash his powerful forehands on anything other than the living room wall. So perhaps Farah can call off the search for a new partner, at least in the short term.

Novak Djokovic and Jelena Djokovic announced Friday that they will donate €1 million through the Novak Djokovic Foundation for the purchase of ventilators and medical equipment to support hospitals and other medical institutions in their battle against coronavirus in Serbia.

“The fight is not easy, numbers are not pleasant, but I am convinced that we will manage to make it out of this stronger than before,” Novak told local media according to his foundation. “It is important to remain united in this fight, to help each other, so we can defeat this virus faster and easier. We would like to use this opportunity to invite everyone else to join us and help numerous families and people who need help to survive and get healthy again.”

The Novak Djokovic Foundation typically focusses on helping create and enhance preschool education opportunities for Serbian children. But the World No. 1 is reacting to the current pandemic, which is affecting families throughout the world.

“We will keep bringing people together, who are calling me every day, and who want to join in. Not everyone can help, many are hit hard by this situation, but fortunately, there are many people and companies who can help,” Novak said. “We will open a special account for this emergency situation, like we did the last time when we were hit by the floods. [The] Novak Djokovic Foundation team is working like a well-oiled machine and we are ready to help.”

Jelena Djokovic, the foundation’s co-founder and global CEO, says they have found a manufacturer to work with on securing the ventilators.

“You haven’t heard from us lately with a specific view on the ongoing situation that has trapped the entire world, for we took some time to take a careful analysis of the situation, both on our own and with our Novak Djokovic Foundation team,” Jelena said. “What has become clear to us is that this situation is going to be a marathon, rather than a speed race, and it would be good for us to rationally and strategically utilise both our strength and resources to be able to push through to the very end. In moments like this, having high-quality equipment is essential – ventilators – above all, which can save people’s lives.” 

From 1990 to 2003, one man left his mark on the Miami Open presented by Itau like no other. That man was Andre Agassi.

The American, who lost a thrilling five-set match to future champion Thomas Muster (1997) on his tournament debut in 1987, claimed 61 victories from 19 tournament appearances at Crandon Park. Agassi lifted six of his 17 ATP Masters 1000 trophies in Florida, a tournament record he now shares with fellow six-time winner Novak Djokovic.

From his maiden Masters 1000 triumph as a 19-year-old to his final Miami crown at the age of 32, ATPTour.com takes a look back at each of the former World No. 1’s six title runs in Miami.

1990: The Beginning Of An Era
With nine ATP Tour titles to his name, a 19-year-old Agassi arrived at Crandon Park seeking his first Masters 1000 crown just two weeks after falling to Stefan Edberg in a four-set Indian Wells final. The American trailed by a set in three consecutive matches against Top 20 members Andres Gomez, Jim Courier and Jay Berger, but fought his way back on each occasion to reach his first of eight Miami championship matches.

Agassi faced Indian Wells final opponent Edberg for the title. The Swede entered the contest on a 10-match winning streak, but could not find a way past Agassi. The Las Vegas native claimed his first of six ATP Head2Head wins (6-3) against Edberg 6-1, 6-4, 0-6, 6-2 to claim the biggest title of his career.

1995: Sampras Revenge
Five years after his first title, Agassi entered Miami looking to avenge losses to Pete Sampras. World No. 1 Sampras arrived in Miami as the defending champion with plenty of confidence, having beaten Agassi earlier in the month to win Indian Wells and 12 months ago to lift his second straight Miami trophy.

After surviving a final-set tie-break in his semi-final against Magnus Larsson, Agassi required another deciding-set tie-break against Sampras in the final. The World No. 2 ended Sampras’ 17-match winning streak in Miami with a 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(3) victory after two hours and 13 minutes. Two weeks after the tournament, Agassi overtook Sampras in the FedEx ATP Rankings to become World No. 1 for the first time in his career.

1996: Back-To-Back
Agassi entered Miami in 1996 amidst a seven-month title drought, dating back to his 1995 success at New Haven. The World No. 3’s title defence almost ended in his opening match against Bernd Karbacher. For the third consecutive match in Miami, Agassi found a way through a final-set tie-break to keep his title hopes alive.

After defeating World No. 17 Arnaud Boetsch in straight sets to reach his third straight Miami final, Agassi was handed the trophy in unfortunate circumstances. Final opponent Goran Ivanisevic, who defeated Michael Chang and Pete Sampras to reach the final, woke up with a stiff neck and was forced to retire at 0-3 in the first set. It was the first time Agassi had successfully defended a Masters 1000 trophy.

2001: The Sunshine Double
After ending his 12-month wait for a title at the Australian Open, Andre Agassi entered Miami with a 17-2 record in 2001. The American had just captured his first Indian Wells title and was attempting to become only the fifth man to complete the ‘Sunshine Double’ by adding a fourth Miami crown to his tally.

Agassi did not drop a set en route to the semi-finals, where he faced Australian Open semi-final opponent Patrick Rafter. As he did in Melbourne, Agassi was taken to a decisive final set before booking his place in the championship match. In the final, the three-time champion edged an opening-set tie-break against Delray Beach winner Jan-Michael Gambill before cruising to a 7-6(4), 6-1, 6-0 victory.

2002: A Milestone Win
Despite missing the opportunity to defend his Australian Open title with a right wrist injury, Agassi began the defence of his Miami title with confidence in 2002 after earning a runner-up finish in San Jose and a fourth Scottsdale title.

After breezing through to the semi-finals, Agassi faced Marcelo Rios in a repeat of the 1998 final. The two men split the opening two sets, before Rios was forced to retire with a right knee injury. Waiting for Agassi in the final was 20-year-old Roger Federer, who had defeated World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt to reach his maiden Masters 1000 final.

Agassi needed two hours and 21 minutes to earn his third victory against the Swiss in as many matches and the 700th tour-level victory his career. It would be his last against Federer, who won each of the remaining eight matches in their ATP Head2Head rivalry.

2003: Historic Hattrick
Agassi entered Miami with a 12-1 record in 2003, aiming to become the first man to win three consecutive Miami trophies. The five-time champion was tested by Mark Philippoussis and Younes El Aynaoui in the early stages of the event, before taking charge in deciding sets to reach the semi-finals.

The 32-year-old captured a record-extending sixth Miami crown with straight-sets victories against Top 10 players Albert Costa and Carlos Moya. It was the 16th of Agassi’s 17 Masters 1000 title runs. Agassi’s mark of 17 crowns at the Masters 1000 level was a record at the time, but has since been surpassed by the Big Three of Rafael Nadal (35), Djokovic (34) and Federer (28).

It was as astonishing as it was incomprehensible at the time. A 14-year-old qualifying for his first professional tournament is a feat that previously never happened on the ATP Challenger Tour. In fact, it had never happened at any level in the pro landscape.

Players that age are often too young and inexperienced to earn such an opportunity on a big stage. And with the growing physicality of the game and quality of competition at the Challenger level, winning one match, let alone three in a row in qualifying, is far from an easy task.

That’s precisely what makes Felix Auger-Aliassime’s achievement so remarkable.

Today, the Canadian is one of the stars of the ATP Tour, surging up the FedEx ATP Rankings without pause. The World No. 20 is fast becoming a household name in the sporting world, boasting an all-around game that is putting the rest of the circuit on notice.

It has been a long and unique journey for the #NextGenATP star, and one that began in the frigid Canadian town of Drummondville in late March of 2015. Just a one-hour drive from his home in Montreal, not only did young Felix enjoy the support of his countrymen, but his friends and family as well.

It was during that week that Auger-Aliassime made history as the youngest player to ever earn a FedEx ATP Ranking point. A qualifying wild card, he needed to register three victories to punch his ticket to the main draw and secure those five coveted points. With the loss of just one set, he did just that. At the ripe age of 14 years and seven months, he became the youngest to qualify for a Challenger. That record still stands today.

“Getting your first ATP points is a moment you never forget as a tennis player,” reflected Auger-Aliassime. “Even though I wasn’t realising what I achieved at the time, I remember it being a big moment in my young career. I will always keep great memories from the Drummondville Challenger.”

Auger-Aliassime earned three wins in just two days to book his spot in the main draw at the Challenger Banque Nationale Drummondville. He defeated fellow Canadian wild card Jack Mingji Lin, former World No. 67 Chris Guccione and South Africa’s Fritz Wolmarans. His victory over Guccione came from 0-6 down.

Armed with an already lethal forehand and boisterous backhand, it was the Montreal native’s footwork and agility that made him so dangerous at such a young age. He maneuvered his slender frame across the court with effortless ease, meticulously carving up the court. And his court awareness and patient point construction would guide him to immediate success. Four months later, Auger-Aliassime became the youngest to ever win a match on the ATP Challenger Tour, in nearby Granby. And less than two years after that, he would be the first player born in the 2000s – and eighth-youngest ever – to lift a trophy, in Lyon, France.

To think that it’s already been five years since the teen announced his arrival is unbelievable. While a lot has changed for the Canadian, much remains the same. Not only has he navigated a mountain of expectations from a young age, but he has done so with the professionalism and maturity of a steely veteran. Once a precocious budding prospect on the ATP Challenger Tour, Auger-Aliassime has steadily developed into a Top 20 star… and he’s still only a teenager.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Jeremy Chardy made the most of his spare time at home to participate in a Q&A session with his racquet sponsor, Tecnifibre.

The French manufacturer, which encouraged fans to send in their questions for the World No. 59 via social media, shared Chardy’s responses on Wednesday.

What is your favourite tournament?
My favourite tournament? No doubt. Roland Garros. When you are a French player, you have the crowd support. [You have] friends and family in the public.

How are you coping with self-isolation?
This containment period is very tough for everybody. It is very unexpected. Please, stay home. Do whatever you can do from your home and take care of the people you love.

When and how did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was six in the small club of my hometown with my sister and my mother. We used to play a lot against the wall and, step-by-step, I fell in love with tennis.

Why do you love tennis?
I really do love tennis, being alone on the court, managing your emotions and stress while facing your opponent and having to find solutions. Every day is different. This makes tennis exciting.

What is the best memory of your career?
It is always hard to tell. I remember one of my first Roland Garros [appearances] in 2008. I received a wild card and made it to the fourth round. I entered the Top 100 [after that run], so it was a special moment for me.

Another great moment in my career was the first time I played in the Davis Cup for France. Playing for my country and singing my national anthem was absolutely amazing. It is a moment I will never forget.

How did you meet your wife?
I first met my wife Susan in Miami. I was having dinner in a restaurant and, when she came in, I thought I had to talk to her. So, I did it. We had a talk and today, we are married with a baby.

What does it mean to you to be a father?
Being a father makes everything different. It makes changes to your priorities. It is the most beautiful thing. I am also very happy at the moment to spend a lot of time with him.

What job would you have had if you weren’t a tennis player?

I really don’t know what job I would have done. I would have tried to do something I love, because when you start a job it is for your whole life. [It is] very important to love what you do.